BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 7th November 2025: In the remote hills of Ruparai village under Kalyanpur block, a remarkable story of determination and innovation is taking place. Thirty-five-year-old Manoj Debbarma has transformed his government-allotted patta land into a thriving hub of mixed farming, thanks to the support of the Voluntary Health Association of Tripura (VHAT) and NABARD.
Despite widespread concerns over the underutilization of patta lands granted to tribal communities for socio-economic upliftment, Manoj has defied the odds. Since July last year, VHAT has been implementing diverse development projects across tribal hamlets in Kalyanpur, and Manoj seized the opportunity to join their initiative.
On his 7 kani (approximately 2.5 acres) of hilly terrain, Manoj has cultivated a vibrant mix of crops. His land now hosts orchards of mango, drumstick, and lemon, alongside carefully planned plots for chili, taro, eggplant, sweet pumpkin, bottle gourd, millet, coriander, ginger and bitter gourd. What was once nearly abandoned jungle land is now a fertile agricultural zone.
Speaking to this reporter, Manoj shared that his efforts have already yielded an income of Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000 within a year. He dreams of expanding his mango orchard and mixed farming operations further. However, he acknowledges the challenge of water scarcity in the elevated terrain. Encouragingly, VHAT is actively working on scientific solutions to address this issue.
This case highlights a broader truth: while government schemes and organizations like VHAT provide the framework, it is the initiative and perseverance of individuals like Manoj that truly drive transformation. His success stands as a beacon for others, proving that with vision, hard work and the right support, even the most neglected lands can bloom with promise.
